Amanah Youth leader Hasbie Muda also called for stern action to be taken to ensure that no one demeans the institution, as “it is our collective responsibility as Malaysians to defend the royalty”.

The Amanah action is in response to a cryptic post by Fadhli. He posted in Malay on Facebook late on Friday night, saying: “Disangka jantan berkokok nyaring, rupanya ayam betina bertelur sebiji. Disergah biawak, digadai reban.”

Several government elected representatives have since questioned the metaphor Fadhli used, alleging that it could be interpreted as defiance against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The post was made about an hour after Umno announced its decision to pull out of a planned rally in solidarity with imprisoned former prime minister Najib Razak.

Umno said the decision was in compliance with a statement issued by Istana Negara. The party said it would abide by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call to respect the royal prerogative on pardons and to abide by established procedures.